EM 1110-2-1100 (Change 1)
31 Jul 03
Very slow, continuous downslope movement of soil or debris.
CRENULATE
An indented or wavy shoreline beach form, with the regular seaward- pointing parts rounded rather than sharp, as in
the cuspate type.
CREST
Highest point on a beach face, BREAKWATER, or SEAWALL.
CREST LENGTH, WAVE
The length of a wave along its crest. Sometimes called CREST WIDTH.
CREST OF WAVE
(1) the highest part of a wave. (2) That part of the wave above still-water level. (See Figure II-1-4.)
CREST OF BERM
The seaward limit of a berm. Also called BERM EDGE. (See Figure A-1.)
CREST WIDTH, WAVE
See CREST LENGTH, WAVE.
CROSS-BEDDING
An arrangement of relatively thin layers of rock inclined at an angle to the more nearly horizontal BEDDING
PLANES of the larger rock unit. Also referred to as cross-stratification.
CROSS-SHORE
Perpendicular to the SHORELINE.
CROWN WALL
Concrete superstructure on a rubble mound.
CURRENT
(1) The flowing of water, or other liquid or gas. (2) That portion of a stream of water which is moving with a
velocity much greater than the average or in which the progress of the water is principally concentrated. (3) Ocean currents
can be classified in a number of different ways. Some important types include the following: (1) Periodic - due to the effect
of the tides; such Currents may be rotating rather than having a simple back and forth motion. The currents accompanying
tides are known as tidal currents; (2) Temporary - due to seasonal winds; (3) Permanent or ocean - constitute a part of the
general ocean circulation. The term DRIFT CURRENT is often applied to a slow broad movement of the oceanic water; (4)
Nearshore - caused principally by waves breaking along a shore.
CURRENT, COASTAL
One of the offshore currents flowing generally parallel to the shoreline in the deeper water beyond and near the surf
zone; these are not related genetically to waves and resulting surf, but may be related to tides, winds, or distribution of mass.
CURRENT, DRIFT
A broad, shallow, slow-moving ocean or lake current. Opposite of CURRENT, STREAM.
CURRENT, EBB
The tidal current away from shore or down a tidal stream. Usually associated with the decrease in the height of the
tide.
CURRENT, EDDY
See EDDY.
A-18
Appendix A Glossary of Coastal Terminology
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